Calif. regulators approve energy storage plan

REDDING, Calif. 
State regulators have voted to require California's major utilities to buy enough energy storage capacity by 2020 to power nearly a million homes.

The California Public Utilities Commission voted Thursday to pass the measure at its meeting in Redding.

It establishes an energy storage target of 1,325 megawatts for Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric. The measure stems from a 2010 State Assembly bill.

"This decision represents an important first step in encouraging the storage market and supporting grid reliability," said Commissioner Carla J. Peterman, the lead Commissioner for the proceeding.

Experts say the ability to store energy effectively would help harness renewable energy sources that generate power sporadically. It would also build in excess capacity that could prevent service disruptions.